The Philippine Embassy in Canada
The Philippine Embassy in Ottawa, together with the Consulates General in Toronto and Vancouver, provides essential consular services to Filipino citizens residing in, traveling to, or doing business in Canada. These offices also support Canadian and other foreign nationals seeking to visit, work, study, or establish ties in the Philippines.
This guide outlines everything you need to know about the services offered by the Philippine Embassy in Canada, including document requirements, procedures, fees, and expected processing timelines.
Whether you’re renewing a Philippine passport, registering a birth, legalizing a document, or preparing to travel or move to the Philippines, it helps to understand the specific documentation and steps required in advance.
Table of Contents
The Philippine Embassy in Canada
The Philippine Embassy in Ottawa, Canada, along with its Consulates General in Toronto and Vancouver, offers a comprehensive range of consular services to Filipino citizens in Canada. These include passport applications and renewals, civil registry services such as birth, marriage, and death registration, as well as notarial and authentication services.
The consulates provide regional assistance, serving Filipino communities in their respective jurisdictions and handling local inquiries and appointments related to consular matters.
For Canadians and other foreign nationals, visa applications for tourism, business, and long-term stays are processed either through the eVisa platform or by directly contacting the appropriate Philippine consular office in Canada.
The Embassy also processes requests for legal documents, including assistance with NBI clearance applications, reports of births or marriages abroad, dual citizenship applications, and other documentary services. It coordinates with Canadian institutions, schools, and government offices to support Filipinos studying, working, or residing in Canada.
Additionally, the Embassy actively promotes Philippine interests in Canada, strengthening bilateral relations in areas such as trade, investment, culture, and community engagement.
Contact details
The Philippine Embassy, Ottawa
- 30 Murray Street Ottawa, Ontario K1N 5M4
- +1 (613) 233-1121
- +1 (613) 233-4165
- [email protected] (General inquiries)
- [email protected] (Consular concerns)
- http://ottawape.dfa.gov.ph/
Philippine Consulate General, Toronto
- Suite 303, 160 Eglinton Avenue East Toronto, Ontario M4P 3B5
- +1 (416) 922-7181
- +1 (416) 922-2638
- [email protected] (General inquiries)
- [email protected] (Consular services)
Philippine Consulate General, Vancouver
- 999 Canada Place, Suite 660 Vancouver, British Columbia V6C 3E1
- +1 (604) 685-1619
- [email protected] (General inquiries)
- +1 (604) 685-9945
Opening Hours
The Philippine Embassy, Ottawa
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Monday to Friday: 9:00 am – 5:00 pm (Eastern Time)
Consular Section (by appointment only): 9:30 am – 4:30 pm
Closed on Philippine and Canadian public holidays
Philippine Consulate General, Toronto
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Monday to Friday: 9:00 am – 4:00 pm (Eastern Time)
Closed during lunch break: 12:30 pm – 1:00 pm
All consular services are strictly by appointment
Closed on Philippine and Canadian public holidays
Philippine Consulate General, Vancouver
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Monday to Friday: 9:00 am – 4:00 pm (Pacific Time)
Consular Services: by appointment only
Closed on Philippine and Canadian public holidays
Payment methods
Payments for consular services at the Philippine Embassy in Ottawa and Consulates General in Toronto and Vancouver must be made by bank draft or money order payable to the respective mission, in Canadian dollars (CAD) only.
Cash, personal cheques, debit, credit cards, and electronic payments are not accepted.
Applicants must ensure they follow the correct payment method and include the appropriate fees based on their service type.
List of Consular Services at the Philippine Embassy in Canada
- Philippine passport applications and renewals (by appointment only)
- Civil registry services, including Reports of Birth, Marriage, and Death
- Notarial and legalization services (Affidavits, Special Power of Attorney, Acknowledgement of Documents)
- Authentication of Canadian documents for use in the Philippines
- Assistance with dual citizenship (RA 9225) applications
- Visa applications for foreign nationals travelling to the Philippines
- NBI clearance form fingerprinting assistance
Important Notes on Consular Jurisdictions
- Philippine Embassy, Ottawa – serves residents in Ottawa and Eastern Ontario, Quebec, and the Atlantic Provinces (Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, New Brunswick).
- Philippine Consulate General, Toronto – covers the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) and surrounding regions in Ontario.
- Philippine Consulate General, Vancouver – serves British Columbia, Alberta, Manitoba, Saskatchewan, and the Territories (Yukon, Northwest Territories, Nunavut).
Philippine Embassy Apostille
As of January 11, 2024, Canada is a member of the Hague Apostille Convention, which the Philippines has also been a party to since May 14, 2019.
This means public documents issued in Canada (such as birth certificates, marriage certificates, court documents, and police clearances) no longer need to be legalized by the Philippine Embassy or Consulates. Instead, they must be apostilled by Global Affairs Canada or the appropriate provincial authority.
Once apostilled, these Canadian documents are valid for use in the Philippines without any further consular authentication or legalization from the Philippine Embassy in Ottawa or its consulates in Toronto and Vancouver.
If the document requires notarization before apostille (e.g., affidavits, powers of attorney), it must first be notarized by a Canadian notary public, then submitted for apostille.
Likewise, Philippine-issued documents for use in Canada should be apostilled by the Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) – Office of Consular Affairs before being recognized in Canada. No further legalization by the Canadian Embassy is required once the apostille is attached.
Apostille Process for Canadian Documents Intended for the Philippines
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When is an apostille needed? |
Canadian public documents intended for use in the Philippines must be apostilled by Global Affairs Canada or the relevant provincial apostille authority. |
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Description |
Common documents include:
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Who can apply? |
Any individual or organization in Canada needing to submit Canadian-issued documents to a Philippine government office, school, court, or agency. |
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Fee (in CAD) |
Apostille: Free via Global Affairs Canada (or provincial authorities)
Notary: CAD 35–75
Provincial apostille cost: CAD 10–65, depending on the province, e.g., (Ontario: CAD 16 for notarial documents, CAD 32 for public documents, Quebec: CAD 65 per document, Alberta: CAD 25 per document, British Columbia: CAD 20 per document, Saskatchewan: CAD 50 per document)
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Processing Time |
Notarial processing (if required) typically takes about 5 business days.
Apostille issuance by Global Affairs Canada or provincial authorities may take 10–20 business days.
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Criteria for apostille |
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How to submit |
Apostilles are issued by Global Affairs Canada (for federal documents and for provinces/territories that have not designated their own apostille authority) or by provincial authorities in provinces like Ontario, Quebec, British Columbia, Alberta, and Saskatchewan.
Global Affairs Canada
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Submission Notes |
Courier waybills with account numbers are not accepted; only prepaid shipping labels or envelopes.
Notarization must be completed before submission if the document is unofficial, a translation, or lacks formal certification.
If unsure, notarization prior to apostille submission is recommended to avoid rejection.
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Looking for a Faster Apostille?
Civil and Administrative Services – Philippine Embassy and Consulates in Canada
Civil Registry Services
- Report of Birth, Marriage, or Death abroad must be filed to be officially recorded in the Philippines.
- Required documents include original Canadian certificates and valid government-issued IDs.
- Fee: CAD 36.25 per report
- Additional copies: CAD 18.00 each
Notarial and Legal Services
- Includes Affidavits, Special Powers of Attorney, Sworn Declarations, and Jurat.
- All signatories must appear in person and bring valid ID.
- Fees:
- CAD 36.25 for one signatory
- CAD 72.50 for documents with multiple signatories
- CAD 36.25 for certified true copies
Certificate of Legal Capacity to Contract Marriage
- Required for Filipino citizens planning to marry in Canada.
- Issued after review of personal documents and proof of civil status.
- Fee: CAD 36.25
NBI Clearance Fingerprint Form Assistance
- The consular office will apply its official seal to fingerprint forms for submission to the NBI in the Philippines.
- Bring your completed form and valid ID.
- Fee: CAD 36.25
Dual Citizenship (RA 9225)
- For former natural-born Filipinos who became Canadian citizens.
- Allows re-acquisition of Philippine citizenship without losing Canadian status.
- Fees:
- Petition fee: CAD 72.50
- Oath-taking fee: CAD 36.25
Renunciation of Philippine Citizenship
- For Filipinos required to renounce citizenship due to legal or immigration processes.
- Fee: CAD 72.50
Certificates of Appearance or Endorsement Letters
- Issued upon request for official or legal purposes.
- Fee: CAD 36.25
Important Payment Information
- Payments must be in Canadian dollars via bank draft or money order only
- Payable to: Philippine Embassy in Ottawa, Philippine Consulate General – Toronto or Philippine Consulate General – Vancouver
- Cash, personal cheques, and debit/credit cards are not accepted
- All services are by appointment only
- Incomplete documents or incorrect payments may cause delays
Always check the latest requirements on the official website of the consular office serving your region.
Notarial Services at the Philippine Embassy in Canada
The Philippine Embassy in Ottawa and the Philippine Consulate General in Toronto provide notarial services to Filipino citizens, Canadian residents, and foreign nationals who require official recognition of documents for use in the Philippines. These services are handled through the Consular Section and must follow Philippine legal procedures. Notarial services are available by appointment only and are conducted in person.
Scope of Notarial Services
The Embassy and Consulate provide a range of notarial acts, including:
- Signature Authentication: Recognition of signatures on legal or personal documents such as affidavits, special or general powers of attorney, certifications, deeds of sale, extra-judicial settlements, and other legal documents intended for use in the Philippines. The document must be signed in the presence of a consular officer.
- Certification of True Copies: Official certification that a photocopy matches the original document. The original must be presented at the time of service.
- Consularization/Legalization: Legal documents executed in Canada may require consularization if they are not eligible for apostille. This process verifies the authenticity of the signature and seal for use in the Philippines.
- Acknowledgements and Jurats: Includes notarial services for sworn statements, declarations, and other documents that require an oath or affirmation.
Documents That Commonly Require Notarial Services Before Apostille
When preparing Canadian documents for use in the Philippines, it’s essential to understand which types must be notarized before an apostille can be issued, mainly if the apostille will be processed in Ottawa via Global Affairs Canada.
The following are examples of documents that typically require notarization because they are not considered official Canadian public documents under GAC guidelines:
- Powers of Attorney – Used for property, legal, financial, or personal representation in the Philippines
- Affidavits and Declarations – Including: Affidavit of Support and Consent, Affidavit of Loss and Affidavit of Single or Civil Status
- Parental Travel Permits – Authorizing minors to travel abroad without one or both parents
- Personal Statements – Declarations of residency, income, employment, or custodial rights
- Private Contracts and Agreements – For use in legal or administrative matters in the Philippines
- Certified Copies – If you need to apostille copies of:
- Passports, government-issued ID, or foreign documents
- Academic transcripts, diplomas, or professional credentials
- Marriage certificates issued by religious institutions (not provincial vital statistics)
By contrast, documents such as long-form Canadian birth and marriage certificates issued by a provincial vital statistics office, or RCMP-issued police clearances, may be accepted without notarization, provided they bear eligible signatures.
At DAC, we routinely renotarize documents to ensure they meet GAC’s standards before submitting them for an apostille in Ottawa, saving you time and preventing costly delays.
Fees for Notarial Services
Fees are standardized across posts and must be paid in Canadian dollars via bank draft or money order only.
No cash, credit/debit cards, or personal cheques are accepted.
- Notarization or acknowledgment: CAD 36.25 per document
- Jurat (sworn oath): CAD 36.25
- Multiple signatories on the same document: CAD 72.50
- Certified true copy: CAD 36.25
- Oath-taking (e.g., for dual citizenship): CAD 36.25
The draft or money order should be made payable to the specific post:
Philippine Embassy (Ottawa), Philippine Consulate General – Toronto, or Philippine Consulate General – Vancouver
Appointments and Requirements
- All notarial services require a scheduled appointment.
- Applicants must appear in person and bring:
- The original document(s) and any supporting copies
- A valid government-issued photo ID (e.g., passport)
- Any witnesses required by the document (consular staff cannot act as witnesses)
- The consular officer may refuse to notarize any document that is incomplete, unlawful, or not clearly understood by the signer
- The Philippine Embassy and Consulates no longer affix red satin ribbons on notarized documents.
- Canadian long-form birth certificates do not require notarization but may require Apostille or legalization depending on use.
Travel and Passport Services at the Philippine Embassy and Consulates in Canada
The Philippine Embassy in Ottawa, along with its Consulates General in Toronto and Vancouver, offers a comprehensive range of passport and travel-related services for Filipino citizens residing in or visiting Canada. These include new passport applications, renewals, replacement of lost or damaged passports, emergency travel documents, and consular registration.
Passport Services Offered
- New Passport Issuance
For first-time applicants or individuals who do not qualify for renewal. Applicants must appear in person and provide proof of Philippine citizenship. - Passport Renewal
Filipino citizens may apply for renewal once their current passport is about to expire or has already expired. Renewals must be done in person and are subject to identity verification. - Replacement of Lost, Stolen, or Damaged Passports
If a passport is lost or stolen, applicants must submit a police report along with an affidavit of loss. Damaged passports must be surrendered when applying for a replacement. - Emergency Travel Document (ETD)
Issued only under exceptional circumstances, such as medical emergencies or deportation. ETDs allow one-way travel to the Philippines. - Consular Registration
Filipino citizens are encouraged to register with the Embassy or the nearest Consulate. This ensures better access to assistance in emergencies, such as disasters, legal incidents, or repatriation needs.
Application Process
- All passport applications require an online appointment through the Philippine Embassy or Consulate’s website. Walk-in applications are not accepted.
- Applicants must appear in person, including minors. For minors under 18, both parents (or legal guardians) must be present and submit government-issued IDs.
- Required Documents include:
- Original and photocopy of current or expired Philippine passport
- Birth certificate (if needed)
- Valid IDs (e.g., PR card, Canadian driver’s license)
- Affidavit of loss (if applicable)
- Duly accomplished passport application form
- Processing time varies by consular post but generally takes 6 to 12 weeks, depending on volume and approval from the Department of Foreign Affairs in Manila. Applicants are advised to apply well in advance of planned travel.
Passport Application Fees
As of the latest official guidance, the standard passport application or renewal fee at Philippine foreign posts in Canada is:
- CAD 87.00 for a 10-year validity passport (for applicants aged 18 and over)
- CAD 60.00 for applicants under 18 years of age (5-year validity)
- CAD 36.25 for Emergency Travel Documents
- Additional administrative fees may apply in cases of lost or damaged passports
Payment Guidelines:
- Payment must be made via bank draft or money order only, in Canadian dollars, and made payable to: Philippine Embassy for Ottawa, Philippine Consulate General – Toronto or Philippine Consulate General – Vancouver
- Cash, credit/debit cards, and personal cheques are not accepted
- Fees are non-refundable, even if the application is later withdrawn or denied
Important Travel Information for Filipino Citizens in Canada
- Dual Citizens Must Use Their Philippine Passport When Entering the Philippines
Filipinos holding Canadian citizenship must travel to the Philippines using a valid Philippine passport or, if they have reacquired Philippine citizenship, a Philippine passport issued after taking their Oath of Allegiance under RA 9225. - Passport Validity Requirement
Philippine immigration requires passports to be valid for at least six months from the date of entry. Travelers should renew expiring passports well in advance.
No Visa Required for Filipino Citizens Entering the Philippines
Filipinos returning home do not require visas. However, those traveling on foreign passports without dual citizenship may be subject to visa rules or entry limits.
Immigration and Citizenship Services at the Philippine Embassy and Consulates in Canada
The Philippine Embassy in Ottawa and the Consulates General in Toronto and Vancouver offer immigration- and citizenship-related services for Filipino citizens, dual nationals, former Filipinos, and foreign nationals with ties to the Philippines. These services include visa issuance for foreign nationals, citizenship reacquisition or renunciation for Filipinos, civil registration of life events, and guidance on immigration matters concerning travel to the Philippines.
All consular services are offered by appointment only, and applicants must comply with Philippine laws and regulations, as well as the consular procedures.
Visa Services (For Foreign Nationals)
Visa Requirement:
Canadian citizens do not need a visa to enter the Philippines for tourism or business stays of up to 30 days, provided they have a return/onward ticket and a passport valid for at least six months beyond their date of entry. For stays of longer duration or other purposes, a visa is required.
Types of Visas Available:
- 9(a) Temporary Visitor Visa – for tourism, business, medical, or short-term visits
- 9(f) Student Visa
- 13(a) Non-Quota Immigrant Visa – for foreign spouses of Filipino citizens
- 9(g) Pre-Arranged Employment Visa
- Special Resident Retiree’s Visa (SRRV) – coordinated through the Philippine Retirement Authority
Application Process:
- Applications must be submitted in person by appointment at the Embassy or the applicable Consulate.
- Applicants should prepare a completed visa application form, recent passport-sized photos, valid passport, proof of purpose of travel, return ticket, and financial documents.
- Depending on the visa type, additional documents may be required (e.g., marriage certificate, NBI/police clearance, school acceptance, employment contract).
Processing Time:
Visa processing typically takes 5 to 10 business days, excluding mailing time. Complex visa categories may take longer and are subject to clearance from the Philippine Embassy in Manila.
Visa Fees:
Fees vary depending on the visa category and length of stay. As of the latest consular fee schedules:
- Temporary Visitor Visa (single entry): CAD 45.00
- Temporary Visitor Visa (multiple entry): CAD 90.00 – 135.00
- Long-stay visas (13a, 9g, etc.): Fees range from CAD 135.00 to 270.00 or more
Applicants must pay in Canadian dollars by bank draft or money order only, payable to the relevant consular post. Cash, personal cheques, and credit/debit cards are not accepted. Fees are non-refundable.
Citizenship Services
The Embassy and Consulates provide services related to Philippine citizenship laws, especially for individuals who have acquired foreign nationality or were born to Filipino parents abroad.
Dual Citizenship (Republic Act 9225 – Citizenship Retention and Reacquisition Act)
Former natural-born Filipinos who have become Canadian citizens may reacquire Philippine citizenship through a straightforward petition process.
This allows full rights of citizenship without renouncing Canadian nationality.
The process includes submitting the required documents and taking the Oath of Allegiance before a consular officer.
Processing fees include:
- Petition for dual citizenship: CAD 72.50
- Oath-taking: CAD 36.25
Renunciation of Philippine Citizenship
- For Filipinos applying for foreign naturalization where formal renunciation is required.
- Done by executing an affidavit of renunciation in person.
- Fee: CAD 72.50
Acquisition of Citizenship by Birth
- Filipino parents may report the birth of their child born in Canada to have it recorded in the Philippine civil registry.
- This may entitle the child to Philippine citizenship depending on parental status at time of birth.
Other Citizenship-Related Services
- Issuance of Certificates of Appearance, endorsement letters, or supporting documents for immigration use.
- Clarification of dual nationality rights or eligibility for certain visa-free travel privileges.
Important Notes for Filipino Citizens and Dual Nationals
- Filipinos who acquire Canadian citizenship without undergoing the dual citizenship process under RA 9225 are considered to have lost Philippine citizenship.
- Individuals who reacquire Philippine citizenship must travel using their Philippine passport to exercise their rights in the Philippines fully.
- Minors born in Canada to Filipino parents may be recognized as Philippine citizens by reporting their birth and obtaining a Philippine passport.
- Dual citizens should carry both their Philippine and Canadian passports when traveling.
Philippine Embassy FAQS
Do Canadian documents need to be legalized at the Philippine Embassy?
No. Since both Canada and the Philippines are members of the Hague Apostille Convention, Canadian documents intended for use in the Philippines do not need to be legalized by the Philippine Embassy or Consulates. Instead, they must be apostilled by Global Affairs Canada or an authorized provincial authority.
Do I need to notarize my documents before getting an apostille for the Philippines?
In most cases, yes. Unless your document appears on Global Affairs Canada’s list of acceptable public records (e.g., long-form birth certificates), it must be notarized first. DAC provides professional notarization services, and we often renotarize documents in Ottawa to meet GAC’s requirements and avoid delays.
What is an apostille, and why is it needed for the Philippines?
An apostille is a special certificate that confirms the legitimacy of a Canadian public document for use in another country. For the Philippines, apostilles issued by Global Affairs Canada or a provincial authority make the document legally valid without further steps at the Philippine Embassy. Apostilles have replaced the need for consular legalization.
How long does the apostille process take for the Philippines?
Processing times vary depending on the authority:
Global Affairs Canada (Ottawa): 10–20 business days
Provincial authorities: 5–15 business days
If notarization is required, add 2–5 business days. DAC also offers expedited options in eligible cases.
Can DAC help if my document was already notarized elsewhere?
Yes. However, if your document was notarized outside of Ottawa, DAC often performs renotarization locally to ensure it aligns with Global Affairs Canada’s requirements. This reduces the risk of rejection or extended delays.
Do I need certified translation for my documents going to the Philippines?
Yes, if your document is not in English or Filipino, it must be translated by a certified translator. DAC offers certified translation services and ensures your documents are correctly formatted and notarized before apostille
What types of documents can be apostilled for use in the Philippines?
Common Canadian documents apostilled for Philippine use include:
- Birth, marriage, and death certificates
- Diplomas, transcripts, and school letters
- Police clearance certificates
- Powers of attorney, affidavits, or legal declarations
Corporate or immigration-related documents
DAC can assist with all required steps.
Do I need a visa to travel to the Philippines from Canada?
Canadian passport holders can enter the Philippines visa-free for up to 30 days for tourism or business purposes, provided they have a return or onward ticket and a passport valid for at least six months. For extended stays, such as work, study, or family reunification, a visa must be obtained from the Philippine Embassy or Consulate in Canada.
How do I renew my Philippine passport in Canada?
Passport renewals must be done in person at the Philippine Embassy in Ottawa or a Consulate in Toronto or Vancouver, by appointment only. You’ll need your old passport, valid ID, and completed forms. The processing time ranges from 6 to 12 weeks, so apply well in advance of travel.
Can DAC mail my completed apostilled documents back to me?
Yes. DAC offers nationwide mail-back service. Whether you’re in Toronto, Calgary, Vancouver, or elsewhere in Canada, we’ll return your completed documents via secure tracked courier, ensuring they arrive safely and promptly.
IN CONCLUSION
You should now have a clearer understanding of how to prepare Canadian documents for use in the Philippines, along with the key consular services offered by the Philippine Embassy in Ottawa and its Consulates in Toronto and Vancouver.
While the embassy no longer legalizes documents due to the Hague Apostille Convention, the process of notarizing, translating, and securing an apostille can still be complex. It involves multiple steps, strict requirements, and coordination with federal or provincial authorities, especially when documents were issued or notarized outside of Ottawa.
At Document Authentication Canada, we simplify the process for you. From certified translations and notarization to Ottawa-based apostille processing, we ensure your documents are correctly prepared and recognized in the Philippines. Avoid costly delays and rejections, contact our experienced team today at 1-855-700-5840 for a free document review and personalized quote.
About The Author
Muna Hasen, Director of Customer Experience
Muna Hasen brings a strong background in legal support and community engagement. Born and raised in Ottawa, she has gained valuable experience both across Canada and internationally. Muna is committed to client-centered service, ensuring every interaction is guided by clarity, professionalism, and trust.